home technology planning guide
DESCRIPTION
Gramophone & HTSA (Home Technology Specialists of America) understand you may have questions when building or remodeling your home. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your existing home or simply installing a home entertainment system, it's important to hire a Technology Contractor (A/V Design Specialist) who will get the job done properly...It is important to plan your home's technology infrastructure early and know enough to ask the right questions and make educated decisions. We're pleased to bring you this Planning Guide to help you do just that!TRANSCRIPT
Make your home smarter.
HOME� TECHNOLOGY� PLANNING� GUIDE
HOME THEATER
MOBILE DEVICE INTEGRATION
STEREO /SURROUND SOUND
WHOLE-HOUSE MUSIC
HOME LIGHTING
The Purpose of this BookHome Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) understand you may have questions when it comes to building or remodeling your home.
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your existing home or simply installing a home entertainment system, it’s important to hire a Technology Contractor (A/V Design Specialist) who will get the job done properly. In many construction trades, most people (including electricians) are unfamiliar with the new products and technologies that are available for a low voltage system, or technologies outside their core expertise.
It is important to plan your home’s technology infrastructure early and know enough to ask the right questions and make educated decisions. We’re pleased to bring you this Planning Guide to help you do just that!
Come in to discuss your ideas. We look forward to meeting you!
HOME CONTROL
HOME LIGHTING
WIRING YOU R HOME ( INFRASTRU CTURE )
NETWORK ING
HOME THEATER
MOBILE DEVICE INTEGRATION
STEREO VS. SURROU ND S OUND
WHOLE-HOUSE MUS IC
VIDEO & VIDEO DI STRIBU TION
The Purpose of this BookGramophone and Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) understand you may have questions when it comes to building or remodeling your home.
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your existing home or simply installing a home entertainment system, it’s important to hire a Technology Contractor (A/V Design Specialist) who will get the job done properly. In many construction trades, most people (including electricians) are unfamiliar with the new products and technologies that are available for a low voltage system, or technologies outside their core expertise.
It is important to plan your home’s technology infrastructure early and know enough to ask the right questions and make educated decisions. We’re pleased to bring you this Planning Guide to help you do just that!
Come in to discuss your ideas. We look forward to meeting you!
HTSA | HOME TECHNOLOGY PLANNING GUIDE
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Whether watching your favorite film, settling downwith a good book, or preparing a meal, lighting control is the key to optimizing family time. ”
“Home Control
These are just a few examples of the today’s
control systems’ capabilities, and there are
many more possibilities available at a multitude
of price points. We can adapt to your needs
and design a system that delivers on your
expectations and fits your budget. Design is
the most critical step in having a system that
functions flawlessly and delivers on your
expectations.
The process of home automation works
by making everything in the house that
can be automatically controlled using
technology do the jobs that we would
normally do manually. It is much
easier to install home automation
in a house while it is still being
built, since you have the ability to put things
inside the walls to save space. If your house
is already finished, you can still have home
automation done in a less-intrusive way through
the use of wireless technology. Wired systems
are generally more robust than wireless, but
wireless technology has come a long way.
Taking control of your lifestyle and the various systems in your home is much easier and more affordable than ever.
Home control refers to technologies that can link and control all the equipment and systems in your home. Imagine having one controller that can:
Automatically turn off all the TVs in the house when the kids are doing their homework.
Alert you that the garage door is open and then let you close it from your iPhone.
Manage your lights, window coverings and thermostats to reduce your energy bills.
Monitor and arm your door locks, lights and security cameras anywhere you are.
View your vacation home from your office, primary home or mobile device.
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Home Data Network
Increasingly home automation systems are
being designed to utilize the home data network
to pass control information or stream digital
media as mentioned above. This subsystem
will play a larger role over time allowing the
integration of entertainment, computing and
appliances into a coordinated home network .
Controllers
The most important piece of the home control
and automation puzzle is how you and your
family will operate all of these technologies.
Controllers are the devices you will use and
they can range from the traditional hand-held
remote control, to keypad devices, all the way
to touch-screen interfaces with customized
designs. The more advanced the device
becomes, the simpler the operation of your
various subsystems.
The least expensive type of control device is
a hand-held remote, and unlike the universal
controllers you may already be familiar with,
these programmable remotes allow you to do
much more than just learn the commands of
the devices in your home. Many can control
lighting as well as entertainment functions
and additionally, they have the capability of
executing scenes or macros.
Keypads are the second type of control system
and these can be made to be portable like the
handheld devices previously mentioned, but
they can also be installed in a wall. They are
available in many types and sizes, but the most
common are three and six button systems. They
are also available in a variety of colors to match
your décor and can be engraved for instant
recognition of the keys.
Replacing all remotes with one controller is the quickest way to enjoying your home entertainment. ”
“
Home automation can perform
tasks as simple as turning on the
sprinklers at a certain time every
day, or lowering the blinds as the
sun sets through the windows of
your home. One of the first decisions
you should make when considering
home automation products is, what
systems in your home would you like
to control? These systems are best
understood when they are broken down
into subsystems.
Entertainment
This subsystem is usually the first one
everyone wants to control, because each
different component in an entertainment
system comes with its own remote. Replacing
all your remotes with one controller is the
quickest way for everyone to begin to enjoy
their home entertainment. Another big
advantage is having the ability to move your
music to any room in the home or having the
movie you are watching follow you to another
TV in a different part of the house.
Climate
Climate subsystems can be managed
according to the time of day, or they can
detect open doors or windows and shut
down the HVAC system until they are
closed. Some systems even offer you your
own weather station to tell you wind speed,
inside and outside temperature, humidity at
your location and much more. Programmable
thermostats address comfort and efficiency
by maintaining a schedule consistent with
your family’s presence in the home.
Lighting and Shades
Controlling your lights allows you to
create environments that optimize activities.
Control systems can light your hallway
for ease of access at night or turn on the
landscape lighting as the sun sets. Shade
systems can follow the sun as it rises or
sets to optimize energy efficiency and
maximize natural light. The possibilities
for lighting-based control are endless.
Security
Security and alarm systems normally address
most of the safety issues in the home
environment. Adding control of security lighting
at night can prevent unwanted accidents such
as falling down the stairs or add to the burglary
deterrent by flashing exterior lights when
motion is detected. You can also use security
sensors to trigger climate and lighting scenes
in case the alarm system is armed or disarmed.
Imagine having your driveway light up as you
pull onto your property, then your interior lights
turn on and your security system deactivates as
you enter the home.
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The most comprehensive type of control device
is a touch screen type of interface. Touch
screens allow you to customize the look and
feel for ease of recognition and use. While
touch screens do require significantly more
programming time, their ability to execute
multiple strings of commands at the touch
of a button makes them the most versatile
choice for home automation systems. Touch
screens can be mounted on a wall or placed
on a tabletop. The last type of controller is
your mobile device and these are extremely
attractive options because they give you
control of your home from both inside and
outside the premises.
The implementation of control is only as
good as the programmer, the wiring and the
installation. For this reason, think long and hard
about your budget and make this one of the
earliest choices in the planning of your new
home or remodeling project.
‹ YOU CAN EVEN USE
YOUR IPAD OR IPHONE
TO CONTROL MANY
DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES
IN YOUR HOME.
Lighting systems consist of three components:
1. Light source (lamp – incandescent,
fluorescent, LED, halogen, etc.)
2. Light fixture (recessed, pendants,
sconces, chandeliers, surface mounted,
under-cabinet, etc.)
3. Control systems (dimmers, switches,
timers, etc.) that transform spaces
from only “on” or “off” to something
that offers gradual lighting consistent
with the human lifestyle.
Finding the right lighting to create a
pleasing, yet functional, décor can be a little
overwhelming. For example, how do you know
what type of light bulb—incandescent, LED or
quartz halogen is best suited to your needs?
Some questions you may want to ask are:
Who will use the space and how will
it be used?
What is the size and shape of the room,
and what exterior orientation does the
room have?
Is there an abundance of natural
light available?
Everyone can benefit from lighting control and
it can be done wired or wireless, allowing you
to set the ideal lighting scene for any activity.
Whether it be watching your favorite film,
settling down to relax with a good book or
preparing a meal, lighting control is the key
to optimizing family time and activities in your
home. Lighting systems are also capable of
multiple strings of commands called macros
or scenes. These scenes enhance the way
you and your family live and insure greater
enjoyment of all activities within the home.
Home Lighting
Residential lighting with lighting control is one of the most important things you can do for your home and your lifestyle. Lighting not only provides illumination, but can also be a key interior and exterior design element. Lighting systems enable us to conserve energy, perform tasks safely, and create an emotional connection to the environment for our families and guests. Your HTSA dealer wants you to understand the benefits of whole-home automation and control with lighting systems, lighting design and use of natural light. This powerful combination can dramatically enhance your living environment.
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Orchestrate All the Lighting in Your Home – Some Examples:
8:30 a.m. When you depart for work, reset lights and shades throughout your home to levels you prefer when you are away, with the press of just one button on a keypad near the door.
6:30 p.m. As you approach your home on your return, use a visor control in your car to create a welcoming, secure lighting environment near entryways and throughout your home.
11:30 p.m. Just before bed, turn off unneeded lighting room by room, or select a predetermined nighttime setting with softly lit pathways through hallways and stairs, from the convenience of your bedside table.
24 hours If you are away for an extended period, automatically replay your home’s normal lighting routine, as if you are still home, for added piece of mind.
Today you can have a much greater impact
on your electricity costs and minimize your
impact on the environment with solid state
lighting, aka LED lighting. LED lighting
not only lasts longer and consumes less
energy than standard incandescent or
cold cathode fluorescent bulbs, but it
can illuminate in colors and really set off
your home and surrounding landscape.
Shades and Natural Light
Installation of quiet electronic driven (QED)
shades or drapery provides the potential for
homeowners to maintain a level of natural
light while simultaneously reducing unwanted
glare, heat gain and ultraviolet rays, which can
discolor furniture, art, and other objects in the
home. In addition to maximizing the energy
efficiency of your home and insuring maximum
light control, they can be programmed to follow
the sun creating an effortless way to optimize
your living environment.
One thing to keep in mind: The more varied
and diverse your lighting fixtures and schemes,
the more complex they are to run. Wherever
you choose to implement light control, you can
rest assured that the result will be far better
than walking to the 10 wall switches by the
front door and guessing which switch controls
which light before you head
off to retire for the evening!
PROGRAMMED LIGHTING
SCENES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE
ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND
IMPROVE OUR RESIDENTIAL
ENVIRONMENT.
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It is usually a good idea to hire a dedicated low voltage contractor rather than an electrician. Low voltage contractors will be up to date on all of the latest changes in whole house technology and systems integration. ”
“
The first concern with our infrastructural
wiring relates to electrical codes. The National
Electrical Code (NEC) prescribes the following
properties of the wire to be used in your walls:
Reduce the spread of fire and smoke.
Prevent shock.
Comply with other requirements of the NEC.
All wiring used behind walls, under floors or
otherwise installed as a structural component
of the building must be properly rated. Even
speaker wires that go inside the walls have to
be rated as either Class 2 or Class 3.
Next you need to decide on wire gauge and
conductor count. How do you know what’s right
for the job? Well, let’s look at the speaker wire,
for instance.
The distance from the audio amplifier to
the speaker location is a major factor in
deciding which wire is right for the installation.
Every foot of speaker wire adds more
resistance, capacitance and inductance to
the performance equation. Shorter runs of
wire that are twisted and shielded a certain
way yield better sound quality.
Wiring Your Home (Infrastructure)
As technology in the 21st century keeps evolving, it is increasingly necessary to have your house
wired properly. Structured wiring refers to running cables through the walls of your home that
can carry all of the different signals required to integrate computer networks, home entertainment
systems, cable or satellite TV, telephone, climate control and even home security systems, all
operated by a central control or remotely through the Internet. What technology you want in your
home will be strictly controlled by the wiring infrastructure you install. Get the wiring right and
everything else is easy.
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Some tips for maximizing the performance
of your structured wiring system include:
For less than 50 feet to the speakers or
volume control, 16AWG (gauge) works fine.
From 50 feet to 100 feet, use 14AWG.
For 100 feet or more, use 12AWG.
Some additional good things to remember are:
For primary sound where dynamic range
is at a premium, use more copper.
If you are wiring main speakers, use
heavier gauge.
Don’t underestimate the value of
shielding for reducing noise.
Control Systems Many of these systems can be extremely
sophisticated and require professional
installation and proprietary wiring. Our most
consistent recommendation is to use at
least CAT5e wiring for the control system.
You should always consider 14/4 and Dual
CAT-5e for more sophisticated systems or
in instances where you want to distribute
telecommunications as well as IR (infrared)
and speaker-level audio.
Remember to wire bathrooms, hallways and
outdoor areas. There is no reason that whole-
house audio/video should not extend to these
often-overlooked areas. Even if you don’t plan
on installing equipment at every location right
away, make sure you run the cables to that
location. It will save you money and time in
the long run.
Even if you don’t plan on installing equipment at every location right away, make sure you run the cables to that location. It will save you money and time in the long run. ”
“ What is a Network?
A network is a platform consisting of two
or more computers that are linked in order
to share resources (such as printers and
drives), exchange files or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network
may be linked through cables, telephone lines,
radio waves or satellites. Computers residing on
this network can be servers, desktops, laptops,
mobile devices and other types of workstations.
The two basic types of networks are:
Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network
that is confined to a relatively small area. A
Wide Area Network or WAN is used for a large
geographic area such as the world. The LAN
type of network is most often used in residential
environments. In a typical LAN configuration,
one computer is designated as the file server.
It stores all of the software that controls the
network, as well as the software that can
be shared by the computers attached to the
network.
We live in a technology-driven world these days and it is affecting how we do almost everything.
Satellite technology, the personal computer, the Internet, mobile devices and more have all led to the digitization of our content and have established a need for immediate access to information. We are convinced that it is more important than ever to have the right backbone installed in your home so everything talks the same language and works together effortlessly.
Most consumers, when creating a home network, will purchase simple routers and related solutions that are found in mainstream distribution outlets. These simple routers and switches are not designed to handle the workload they are asked to carry because they were primarily developed as inexpensive single-room solutions.
What does this mean? It means that if you are building a new home or remodeling your old one, you would be wise to consider building a high-performance network. The following article will try to clear up any confusion you might have when it comes to establishing a personal network in your home.
Networking
15
Computers connected to the file server are
called workstations. On many LANs, cables are
used to connect the network interface cards in
each computer; other LANs may be wireless. All
wireless technologies require a transmitter and
receiver system in order to communicate.
Remember that installing a good hardwire
infrastructure in your home during construction
will always improve the strength, reliability and
overall performance of your network, but if that
is not possible, wireless, if done right, can be a
good option.
Residential Networks
Residential or LAN networks are generated
through a subscription service; for example,
Comcast, AT&T or Verizon FIOS all provide
data networks. These services will bring the
World Wide Web into your home on a cable
or telephone wire. Using a modem, you can
decode that signal for use in a computer, laptop
or mobile device.
There are other types of networks for bringing
information into the home. Cell networks and
the more affordable femtocell networks are
becoming popular in larger homes, where too
many access points would be required. These
types of networks use cellular frequencies as
communication paths.
A router will take a single source of data that
has been received by a modem and distribute
that data to multiple streams or devices. Routers
can also wirelessly transmit that signal over a
pre-specified distance utilizing a transmitter.
To answer the modern-day demands of a home
network, we need a reliable and seamless
network. One access point simply will not do.
If the home is 2,000 square feet, one WAP
(wireless access point) may cover the space;
however, in larger homes or when more than
one WAP is required, there are significant
issues to contend with: unreliable roaming,
multiple network SSIDs, radio strength issues,
conflicts with neighboring networks, port
failure, just to mention a few. With consumer
networking products, many assume it is
“set-it-and-forget-it”, but consumer products
are not made to handle the constantly increasing
workload that they are asked to carry.
In order to properly configure a network,
we must first incorporate enterprise-grade
wireless access points (WAPs), not
off-the-shelf solutions. They should be
strategically placed around the property
to ensure seamless coverage. This collection
of WAPs should be centrally managed by
a wireless controller, which automatically
analyzes, manages and optimizes the wireless
environment in its entirety. When properly
programmed and deployed, the wireless
controller creates a robust, reliable and
self-adjusting wireless environment.
This controller-based wireless network is
perfectly suited for the IP-enabled automation
systems, computers, AV equipment and other
devices that are all working simultaneously
via the home’s wireless network. Additionally,
they will offer the stable platform necessary
to deliver exceptional system performance.
HTSA | HOME TECHNOLOGY PLANNING GUIDE
Additional Networking Terminology
Protocol – The language devices use
to talk to each other.
IP – Internet Protocol, the language of
the Internet and home networks.
TCP – Transmission Control Protocol,
like signing a receipt for data delivery –
guaranteed delivery.
UDP – User Datagram Protocol; example:
streaming media. No acknowledgment
on receipt of data.
HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol, used
to make displayable Web page requests and
download Web pages over TCP/IP.
FTP – File Transfer Protocol, used to transfer
files between computers on the Internet or
within a network over TCP/IP.
LAN – Local Area Network
(i.e. the home’s network).
WAN – Wide Area Network (i.e. the Internet
groups of networks connected together over
long distances).
Subnet – Portion of a network that has
been segmented off through software
or hardware.
IP address – Identifier for a computer or device
on a TCP/IP network (Example: 192.168.0.12).
Ethernet – Communications protocol allowing
multiple devices to share a common
transport mechanism.
Modem – Modulator/Demodulator, device
used to convert one form of a signal to another.
Router – Moves data packets between
different subnets.
Switch – Makes point-to-point connections
between MAC (Media Access Control)
addresses on a LAN; MAC address = hardware
address of a device on a network.
DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
DHCP Server (usually in the router) used to
automatically assign devices on the network
IP addresses.
WiFi – Wireless Fidelity 802.11x.
WLAN – Wireless Local Area Networking.
SSID – Service Set Identifier, it is the name
of the WLAN and must be entered on all devices.
WEP/WPA – Wired Equivalent Privacy/WiFi
Protected Access; Encrypts data transmissions
on wireless network.
802.11b – 11 MB wireless protocol 2.4 GHz.
802.11g – 54 MB wireless protocol 2.4 GHz.
802.11a – 54 MB wireless protocol 5 GHz,
many wireless products DO NOT work with
802.11a.
802.11n – Next-gen WiFi, more range,
faster speed.
AP – Access Point, needed to distribute your
signal (also called WAP Wireless Access Point).
Wireless Router – Router with built-in
Wireless Access Point.
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The Room
The first place to start is the room you intend to
house the home theater in. The size of the room
will determine the size and type of video display
device (plasma TV, LCD TV, LED TV, rear or
front projector) that would be best to use.
Additional room items to consider are:
How much ambient light is present?
What type of wall construction do you
have (drywall, glass, etc.)?
Will you be placing your home theater
system components in a cabinet or closet?
Will you be installing your speakers in
the wall or ceiling?
Home Theater
Home theater is slowly replacing the family room as the location in the home where everyone gathers. There are numerous things that go into the design and construction of a home theater room. It is not as simple as picking a few ingredients and having an installer assemble them.
What are the good brands to consider?What kind of costs can I expect?How big a screen can I use in the room?What is the optimum distance to the screen and where is the best seating position?What products will yield the best sound in the space?Should I use one subwoofer or more, and where should they be placed?
As you can see, even some of the basic choices aren’t really so basic. Let’s break down what you need to consider and why.
Viewing Angle
View
ing
Dis
tanc
e
Screen Width
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40" 5.4' 4.5'
46" 6.3' 5.2'
52" 7.1' 5.8'
55" 7.5' 6.2'
60" 8.2' 6.7'
65" 8.8' 7.3'
92" 12.5' 10.3'
108" 14.7' 12.1'
114" 15.5' 12.8'
Diagonal Screen Size
16: 9 Aspect Ratio
THX Recommended Distance from
Seating to Screen for Movies
SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture
& Television Engineers) Recommended Distance
for watching HDTV
The Video Display
This is the first component to consider, as it
is the core of every home theater. After all,
the idea of home theater is to bring the giant
movie theater experience home, and generally,
nothing does a more realistic job of that than
a good front projection TV. The other options
mentioned earlier (i.e. LCD, plasma) will also do
well, but there are very few choices available
above a 70 inch screen size in these types of
televisions. Additionally, factors such as room
light, control, seating position and viewing angle
all play a role in the type and size of display.
Audio System
The most essential element of the movie
theater experience is sound. The way sound
is implemented in a home theater system is
critical to the overall experience and possibly
even more so than the picture. The impact
and excitement of a movie or sporting event
is delivered through the audio system! When
choosing the audio system, there are several
different components you need to consider.
Let’s start with the electronics.
Receivers
The A/V (audio video) receiver is the basis of
the audio system. It provides the amplification
and the features that will drive the sound.
Receivers are made up of three components;
a) an amplifier for powering the loudspeakers,
b) a preamplifier for processing the sound, and
c) a tuner for picking up radio stations
(optional). A/V receivers or separate
components need to be matched to the room
and the speakers in order to optimize audio
performance. Surround sound processors have
the ability to make the room larger or smaller.
Your mind knows when you are in a small jazz
club or when you are in a large concert hall,
and the processing capability of your electronics
delays sounds to each speaker in order to recreate
these kinds of environments in your room.
Loudspeakers
The next components to consider for your home
theater system are the loudspeakers. You will
need at least five to seven speakers. The center
channel speaker placed above or below the
screen will deliver the dialogue/voices. The left
and right front speakers will be placed on either
side and will create the width of the scene on
the screen, and the left and right rear speakers
will create the depth of the environment. When
utilizing seven speakers, two more speakers are
placed on the side walls. The last speaker(s)
you will need is called the subwoofer. Its job is
to recreate the deep bass sounds that deliver
impact and help you feel the home theater
experience. In many systems you can get away
with one subwoofer, but THX recommends four.
Source Components
It is important to consider that your picture and
sound will only be as good as the signal or
information you give to them. HDTV will require
a service provider such as Dish Network or
Comcast, etc. Additionally, you can obtain a
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for recording
your favorite shows. Other source components
include DVD, CD player, Blu-Ray player,
turntable and even HD radio.
Control Systems
Each component in a home theater system
comes with its own remote, leading to a
collection that can number half a dozen or
more. One solution is to opt for a sophisticated
but easy-to-use universal remote that can
control most of the functions of each of
your components.
The impact and excitement of a movie or sporting event is delivered through the audio system! ”
“
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Seating
You have a fancy home theater system; now
you need some comfortable furniture that will
make you want to spend your time with your
home theater. Your furniture can be of the
traditional sofa and chair variety, or you can
opt for specialized home theater furniture that
includes features such as built-in cup holders
and extra-overstuffed padding.
Room Treatments
These are panels or objects that compensate
for the amount of glass, floors, wood and other
materials used in the room construction. These
will all have an effect on the video, sound and
control of the experience. You don’t want the
room to be too “live” or too “dead.”
Final Take
There are a myriad of things to consider when
planning your home theater and your budget.
Remember: Your goal is to do it right, so you
may want to consider what aspects of the room
and system are most important to you in order
to maximize the result.
‹ HOME THEATERS HAVE BEGUN REPLACING THE FAMILY ROOM AS A GATHERING PLACE
... the idea of home theater is to bring the giant movie theater experience home, and generally, nothing does a more realistic job of that than a good front projection TV. ”
“
The iPhone adds a new dimension of
technology integration to your lifestyle
by providing control beyond the confines
of the house.
There’s virtually no amenity in an integrated
home that you can’t control from an iPhone
or iPod touch, including:
Streaming your music and movies around
the house with an Apple TV system.
Have your system sense your iPhone,
iPad or iTouch as it moves from room to
room and have your content follow you.
Viewing your security cameras to monitor
your children, or see who is at the front door.
Adjusting lighting control systems and
motorized window shades.
Controlling HVAC systems.
From outside the home, you can do even more
cool things like:
Modify the temperature before you get home.
Check that all exterior doors are locked.
Activate the security system and turn on the
outside lights.
Monitor exterior security cameras.
DVR the big game or your favorite TV shows.
These are just a few of the options available,
but we have to start somewhere, so let’s talk
about one of the most popular activities people
will do with their mobile devices: MUSIC!
Putting your music and related content on
some form of storage device is common today.
Computer audio, the iPhone and the iPod have
revolutionized how we interact with and manage
our music. Most people have never experienced
what digital music can sound like through a
good stereo or theater system.
Mobile Device Implementation
The iPod and iPhone revolutionized the music industry and the cellular telephone industry. There are now over 200 million of these in existence. Most of us use the iPhone for picking up e-mail and phone calls. Others use the iPhone to listen to music through their car stereos or headphones. More-experienced iPhone users have even downloaded and explored a few of the over 150,000 applications available online.
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The key to achieving the best sound from our
iPod or iPhone is to maximize how the music
landed on our computers to begin with. If you
are putting your legacy CD collection on your
computer, be sure to set up iTunes to rip in
Apple Lossless. This will capture much more
of the music on those discs than the default
setting of 128kbs. Setting your computer
to rip in lossless is as simple as clicking on
the advanced tab in the preferences menu.
Lossless will take up more space on your hard
drive, but the difference in sound quality is well
worth it.
The next step after we have transferred these
higher performance files to our computer
is to connect our iPod to one of those new
docking stations that have come on the market.
Connecting the docking station to a stereo
input with a simple audio cable allows you to
enjoy your iPod music in ways that rival and
even surpass a really good set of earphones.
Using a device like an Apple TV will add control
and distribution to your iPod or iPhone. Connect
the two devices, program that input on your
home theater receiver to look for PCM audio;
set it to play it back in two-channel or a music
surround mode and prepare to be amazed!
Connecting the Apple TV’s video outputs to
your home theater gear provides complete
control of your entire music collection from the
iPod, in the palm of your hand.
A third way to enjoy your iPod on your system is
to connect to a new type of device that is called
a USB DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). This
is a device that pulls the digital music directly
off your hard drive via a USB cable, then
decodes the music into two-channel audio and
passes it on to your stereo system. Companies
such as Signal Path, Ayre, Audio Research,
Sumiko and Wavelength all provide these kinds
of components. The sound will astound you
if your stereo system is up to the task. There
is nothing like sitting in front of your system
with instant access to every single CD you
have ever owned.
Digitally stored music is the future of music
as we know it. The first step is obviously just a
good stereo system, but whatever method you
decide on, enjoy the music, and be sure to have
a good back-up system in place for all of your
music files and more.
‹ NOT YOUR FATHER’S IPOD DOCK!
SLEEK AND HIGH PERFORMANCE
Can you remember what songs you and your
friends were listening to in high school? Can
you remember what song was playing when
you got married or had your first child? We all
can! Just like photographs, we mark special
moments in our life by the music of the times or
the songs we liked. Why is all of this important?
The answer is simple: Dedicating the space
and budget necessary to create a high-quality
two-channel experience in your home is an
investment that will give you years of enjoyment.
We suggest finding speakers that perform
to your taste and are right for your room. The
speakers are arguably the most critical element
in a system and since each person hears
differently, it is a good idea to start by finding
speakers that you love. Here’s a tip: Speakers
that sound good with music will also sound
good with theater, but the opposite is rarely
true. Theater speakers can deliver the dynamics
and impact of music, but often fall short when
it comes to warmth and finesse. Additionally,
the cabinet plays a very important role in the
loudspeakers’ ability to faithfully recreate
sound. It is for this reason that most really good
two-channel stereos do not incorporate in-wall-
type loudspeakers. One last important note:
Just as the cabinet has a significant impact on
the sound of the speaker, so does the room
influence how that speaker will sound. If there is
a lot of glass in the room, you probably want to
temper your desire for metal dome tweeters, as
the resulting sound could potentially be “bright
and shrilly-sounding.
The next step is to choose the right
amplification. This will usually be in the form of
an integrated amp or a separate power amp
and pre-amp combination. You will need to
consider several strategic factors: Will it match
well sonically with my loudspeaker? Does it
have the power and speed to adequately drive
my loudspeakers? Does it image (recreate
The advent of home theater has put multi-channel sound (a.k.a. surround sound) into our lives forever, and while that was an elevating experience for movies, it couldn’t quite replace the warmth and finesse of a good stereo when it came to reproducing music. There was something emotionally uplifting about putting on your favorite, record or CD! Certainly, surround sound is extremely cool, but listening to music the way most of it was recorded, in two channels, takes us beyond the physical sounds or words and brings us closer to that emotional connection to our past, present and future.
Stereo vs. Surround Sound
HTSA | HOME TECHNOLOGY PLANNING GUIDE
25
the position of the instruments on the stage)
well enough for the speakers to mentally
disappear. Tube amplifiers are growing again
as a category, because they tend to provide
a certain emotional connection that is not
generally associated with solid state designs.
Try to incorporate separate components.
The third step will be to determine what sources
of music you and your family will be listening
to. You may have CDs, SACDs, HD Radio, XM,
digital media and more. There are affordable
and high-performance choices available for all
these formats. Maybe you remember records?
Turntable sales were up 37 percent in 2009.
Also in 2009, record sales jumped a whopping
33 percent to 2.5 million copies. 2008 boasted
1.8 million copies sold and 990,000 vinyl
albums were sold in 2007. Records are coming
back, and why? Because many music experts
believe they sound better.
There are even more things to be considered,
such as the cables and interconnects you will
need, stands for the speakers (if necessary),
furniture to house the electronics, and possibly
even room treatments or control technology.
The really fabulous news is, once you have
ventured down this road, you will feel like a kid
again! You will want to listen to YOUR music
again and you may even want to buy some
new music again! Stereo/two-channel audio
systems are infectious and will impact how you
spend your time at home.
‹ DESIGNATING AT LEAST ONE ROOM IN THE
HOUSE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO, IS
AN INVESTMENT WELL WORTH MAKING.
Definition
Whole-house music refers to moving music
from one location to multiple locations around
the house. These locations are usually referred
to as zones. Multi-zone means multiple rooms,
and multi-source means the ability to listen
to different things in different rooms
simultaneously.
System Types
Type 1: Multi-Zone/Systems Using a ReceiverThe simplest possible approach to multi-room
sound is adding a second pair of speakers
to an existing home stereo system. You or
someone you hire will run speaker wire in the
walls and either connect them in a second room
at a wall plate or at the speakers themselves.
Some problems with this approach include
the following: 1) can’t control the volume of
the rooms independently, 2) can’t control the
volume from the second room, and 3) can’t
control the sources such as CD functions, etc.
Type 2: Advanced Multi-Zone/Multi-Source Control SystemsThese types of systems allow you to listen to
different sources (i.e., CD, iPod, AM/FM/HD
Radio, etc.) at the same time in different rooms,
and are available in many configurations from
four to 32 or more zones.
Type 3: Whole-House NetworkingIf you were smart enough—or lucky enough—to
have your house wired, you probably have a wire
in your walls called CAT-5e (Category Five-
Enhanced) or CAT-6 (higher speed and voltage
standard wire), both of which are capable of
distributing audio signals—though they should
not be used simultaneously for a computer
network—as well as audio signal distribution.
Type 4: Dedicated Computer Audio NetworkAs previously mentioned, you can use your
computer to distribute audio over your CAT-5e
or CAT-6 network in the form of AAC, mp3
Whole-House Music
Whole-house music systems, also known as multi-zone audio systems, were one of the earliest requests from consumers in regards to “cool things they would like to have in their home.” The dream was to own a whole-house audio system that effortlessly piped music throughout your home, where all the components “talk” harmoniously to one another. Today that dream is possible, and there are many different ways to distribute music throughout your home, including wired and wireless solutions with powered and non-powered options.
HTSA | HOME TECHNOLOGY PLANNING GUIDE
27
digital audio files or Internet radio. The first
step is to move all of your music and related
content over to the digital world. This will make
it accessible, eliminate the need to store and
organize it, and make your whole-house music
system more accessible.
Type 5: Wireless Music DistributionAs wireless technology has improved, so have
the options for wireless distribution of music.
The most common wireless technology is Wi-Fi
(Wireless Fidelity) and you should try to stay
with wireless N, if at all possible. Wireless G
may exhibit glitches or imperfections in the
transmission of the music, because it has
limited speed and bandwidth.
Wireless Music Adapter—These devices send
a Wi-Fi signal to another adapter connected
to your multi-zone home theater receiver,
enabling you to listen to music in a remote
zone that uses your computer or NAS as a
source on your A/V receiver.
Conclusion
Now that you know the various types of
systems available, you can better decide what
will fit your lifestyle, budget and construction
parameters. The only other consideration
needs to be: How do you want to control your
whole-house music system? Do you want to
use volume potentiometers or LPADs to access
your systems? Do you want keypads or touch-
screens?
Music everywhere will make one of life’s little
pleasures more convenient and enjoyable!
Music everywhere will make one of life’s little pleasures more convenient and enjoyable. ”
“The types of TVs most commonly purchased
by consumers are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),
Plasma Displays, Rear Projection Televisions
and Front Projection Televisions. Let’s look at
the advantages and disadvantages of each.
LCD is the most popular and is available in
two variations. The first variation is fluorescent
(CCFL) and the second is LED (light emitting
diode). Both of these technologies refer to the
way the display is lit up from behind or “backlit.”
Fluorescent backlighting uses a fluorescent
light on the back of the panel and is energy-
efficient and low-cost. LED utilizes solid state
LED bulbs on the back of the display panel
and is more energy efficient, as well as more
durable (20,000 hour longer life-spans = approx.
10 years)! Be careful to avoid edge-lit LED
panels, as they tend to exhibit hot spots in
the picture and are usually lower performers.
A plasma display utilizes a chemical reaction
that excites a phosphor or pixel element.
Plasma is generally considered to be better
for black level, smooth motion and three-
dimensionality. The primary reason for this is
that these types of television have the ability
to turn each pixel element on and off. The
backlight in an LCD television must remain
on all the time.
A rear-projection display is a projection TV
housed in a cabinet. There are many types
of backlight technology incorporated into
these televisions, but the most common are
LED (light-emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal
display), DLP (digital light processing) and
CRT (cathode ray tube). CRT is the oldest of
these technologies and LED is most recent.
The benefit to this type of display technology
is that by keeping external light from affecting
the projector, we can get a very bright image
on a very large screen.
The final display type is front projection TV.
These are the closest to theater-style imaging
and the primary benefit is that they can be
custom sized as large as you want. These
Video is usually considered the most important choice when shopping for electronics, and for good reason. Home entertainment is cited as the third most time-consuming activity in the average home, following sleep and work!
Video & Video Distribution
HTSA | HOME TECHNOLOGY PLANNING GUIDE
27
screens can be sized beginning at around
80 inches and go to sizes of 200 inches or
more. You can’t do that with any of the other
types mentioned previously. Front-projection
utilizes any of the aforementioned backlight
technologies (LED, LCD, DLP, CRT, etc.)
projected onto various types of screen materials.
The disadvantage to a front-projection system
is that you should have complete control
of any natural light entering the room,
otherwise your picture will begin to wash
out and lose brightness.
Consider the activities, the room and the
lighting conditions before deciding what
particular TV display technology you will
put in each location.
Once you have chosen the TVs, now you have
to get a picture to each of them. Distributed
video is a system where all kinds of video (and
audio) signals from A/V source components
(i.e., Blu-Ray players, DVD players, DVRs, etc.)
are sent to multiple TV locations around the
home. Video distribution is all about getting
a strong, clear signal to all of your TVs. This
involves three general functions:
Gathering the signals.
Combining, conditioning and amplifying
the signals.
Distributing the signals to their destinations.
There are three variations
of video distribution
common to most
installations:
Analog RF (Radio
Frequency) distribution
refers to sending signals
including satellite, cable, DVD,
DVR, Blu-Ray and other available sources to
various rooms and areas throughout the house
on a standard coaxial cable. The cable most
recommended for this type of distribution is
a good quality, quad-shielded RG-6u wire.
There are two parts to maintaining the
integrity of RF signals; the first part is
keeping your signals from leaking out
of the cable. The second part is keeping
outside signals from leaking into the cable.
Analog Component utilizes three separate
video connections to pass luminance
(black and white picture components) and
color information on separate wires. This
type of distribution is still analog, but can
carry full high-definition resolution and is
much better than RF.
The third variation is digital and is most
often sent on HDMI cables. HDMI stands
for High Definition Multimedia Interface
and is capable of carrying all audio and
video signals on the same wire. There
are two primary issues regarding signal
distribution with HDMI. The first is that
HDMI components must handshake
(recognize each other) for the signal to
pass. The second is that wire runs of over
75 feet usually degrade picture performance.
The job of your systems integrator is to get
the picture you want to see, on the right size
screen, distributed in the best way possible.
www.HTSA.com
Home Technology: it’s everything that transforms an ordinary house into your personal retreat. Home
technology starts with home theater, then adds automation, networking, security, lighting and much
more. Are you ready to get started? Don’t take a chance with a big box store. Call Gramophone for
an expert consultation, system design, superior products and custom installation.
Let Gramophone help you get started on your personal retreat today.
Timonium Showroom 4 W. Aylesbury Rd Timonium, MD 21093 (410) 308-1650
Columbia Showroom 8880 McGaw Rd Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 381-2100
Store Hours Monday - Friday 10-7Saturday 10-5 www.gramophone.com